25 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns for Beginners

25 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns for Beginners by Janice

A crochet cowl, a versatile and stylish accessory, is a short, looped scarf that "Adds a touch of warmth." and elegance to any outfit.

Unlike a traditional scarf, a cowl snugly wraps around the neck, ensuring it stays in place and keeps you warm on chilly days. With cowls, you're free from the dilemma of how to style a scarf for both fashion and function.

The cowl effortlessly takes care of that for you, providing a sense of reassurance and preparedness for the coming winter.

Why Crochet a Cowl?

They're fantastic beginner-friendly projects that allow you to practice basic stitches while creating a beautiful and functional item.

The simplicity and ease of cowls make them a perfect starting point for your crochet journey, instilling confidence in you to take the first step and motivating you to continue exploring the world of crochet.

Plus, with endless possibilities for yarn weights, colors, and stitch patterns, you can customize your cowl to match your wardrobe perfectly.

How Big Should a Crochet Cowl Be?

Before you start stitching, it's helpful to understand how to measure for a cowl. This knowledge will not only ensure that your cowl fits perfectly but also give you a sense of preparedness and control over your project.

If you are working from a pattern, the designer will indicate the size of the cowl. If you are creating your own, here are a couple of guidelines.

• Cowls are measured by the circumference and depth
• There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the depth of the cowl
• Personal preferences should dictate your size.

According to Doradoes, 
Circumference: 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm)
Depth: 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 cm).

Tips for Crocheting Cowls

Choose the right yarn

Different yarns will create different drapes and textures. Consider the desired warmth and look when selecting your yarn. If you are new to the fiber world, please check out my comprehensive guide to yarn.

Use the recommended yarn or make a substitute that is similar in weight.

Practice Your Tension

This is always a big suggestion, whether crocheting or knitting. Consistent tension is critical to a polished cowl. Practice your stitches beforehand to ensure an even result. Remember, good tension comes with practice (for many of us, it is a lot of practice).

Experiment with Stitch Patterns

From simple single crochet to intricate cables, there's a stitch pattern for every skill level. Don't be afraid to be adventurous and try out different patterns to add a unique touch to your cowl. Embracing the variety of stitch patterns can make your crochet journey more exciting and adventurous.

Don't be Afraid to Get Creative

Add embellishments like buttons, beads, or fringe for a personal touch.

Skill Level

Most crochet cowls are suitable for beginners. Basic crochet knowledge, including single and double crochet stitches, is usually sufficient.

Before beginning any new pattern, always check the skill level and read through the entire pattern. Most patterns are graded appropriately, but some more advanced ones may be marked as beginner-friendly when they are not.

The only way to know is to read and understand the pattern.

Two Ways to Construct Cowls

Most cowls are designed in one of two ways:

1. Rectangular: The cowl is worked flat into a rectangle and then seamed to connect the ends of the rectangle.
2. Circular: The cowl is worked in the round or a tube shape by chaining the required number chains and then using a slip stitch to join the first chain to the last chain. From there, the cowl is worked around as a tube. This method does not require seaming.

25 Free Crochet Cowl Patterns for Beginners

1. Jane's 1-Hour Pullover Scarf

This is a genuinely beginner-friendly cowl, worked with chunky yarn and an L/8.0 mm hook. If you know how to crochet the half-double stitch and chain, you can do this quick project for yourself or a last-minute gift.

Get this Crochet Cowl Pattern

2. Free Stitch Crochet Club in A Jiffy Cowl

This is an easy pattern that would be perfect for someone who has mastered a few crochet skills, including working on cluster stitches.

It’s worked on super bulky yarn and a US Q/16 mm) hook, so it works up very quickly. Skills you might want to brush up on are chains, slip stitches, single and double crochet stitches, and clusters. I also love that it is so textured for warmth and design.

A Jiffy Cowl 

3. Free Patons Wafflin' Around Crochet Cowl

by Yarnspiration

Yarn:  Patons Alpaca Blend

This is considered an easy crochet pattern, and it works with Patons Alpaca blend yarn and a size US J/19 (6mm) crochet hook.

If you have never worked on the crochet waffle stitch, you must brush up on your skills for working around post stitches. The cowl uses front and back post double crochet stitches, which are easy to learn.

Other than that, the only other thing you need to know is how to make chain stitches. Easy? Always read through the pattern before beginning to ensure you understand all the directions.

Get the Wafflin' Around Crochet Cowl

4. Caron X Pantone Bobble Pop Crochet Yarnspirations

Designed: Yarnspiration

Yarn:  Caron® x Pantone™

This fascinating pattern, worked on a U.S. K/10½ (6.5 mm) crochet hook and chunky yarn, is fun to work on if you love to make crochet popcorn stitches.

It is worked on a solid background and multiple colors for the popcorn. The fun part is that you can customize this pattern to make it YOU. If you need a refresher on making popcorn, check out my popcorn tutorial.

Caron X Pantone Bobble Pop Crochet Cowl

5. Red Heart Crochet Long and Twisted Cowl

Designed by Sara Kay Hartmann

Yarn: Red Heart Supersaver

I love this one because it is created with Red Heart Supersaver yarn which is very economical and a US I-9 (5.5 mm hook). You must know how to chain and make single and double crochet stitches. If you are a beginner, this one is for you.

Red Heart Crochet Long and Twisted Cowl

6. Free Red Heart Easy Shadows Cowl Pattern

Designed by Salena Baca

Yarn: RED HEART® Soft®

This easy cowl is made with Red Heart Soft Yarn and a US I/9 5.5 mm yarn. It requires working in the back loop only of the half double crochet stitch. It’s also beginner-friendly because it is worked in rows, and the ends are stitched together to form the cowl, so you do not need to know how to work in the round.

Red Heart Easy Shadows Cowl

7. Free Red Heart Crochet Classic Chunky Cowl

Designed by: Yarnspirations

Yarn: RED HEART® Grande™

This could be your next project if you love the ease and efficiency of working with chunky yarn. It is worked on Red Heart Grande and a US Q (16 mm) hook. Practice your crochet skills of chains and single and double crochet stitches and complete this project quickly.

Red Heart Crochet Classic Chunky Cowl

8. Patons Crochet Drapey Cowl

Designed by Yarnspirations

Yarn:  Patons Metallic

This easy cowl recommends Patons Metallic and a number H-8/5.0 mm hook. It features triple crochet stitches and single crochet stitches and is worked quickly in a tube. If you have never crocheted by connecting with a slip stitch in the round, this would be a good introduction since it is a fast project perfect for beginners.

Patons Crochet Drapey Cowl

9. Free Bernat Crochet V-Stitch Cowl Pattern

Designed by Yarnspiration

Yarn: Bernat® Mega Bulky™

This super quick crochet worked in a Super Bulky Yarn and a US S (19 mm) hook. The Half Double Crochet V stitch is featured, but it is rather difficult to see individual stitches in this dense fabric. You might want to create this in many colors to augment your wardrobe without spending time or money on expensive or time-consuming patterns.

Bernat Crochet V Stitch Cowl Pattern

10. Sugar Bush Cool Button-Up Crochet Cowl

Designed by: Yarnspiration

Yarn: Sugar Bush® Chill™

Not everyone loves buttons on their cowl, but they add a style element that is difficult to ignore. While you can add buttons to any cowl, this pattern features them and their corresponding buttonholes. If this is a skill you’d like to master, this cowl may be just the thing. Worked in Bulky yarn with a US Q/19 (16 mm) hook, it’s a quick project that implements single and half double crochet stitches, along with directions on how to crochet buttonholes, a skill you’ll likely use when making other garments.

Sugar Bush Cool Button Up Crochet Cowl

11. Red Heart Crochet Uniquely You Suede Cowl

Designed by: Yarnspirations

Yarn: RED HEART® Mixology Solids™

This crochet cowl pattern utilizes the Red Heart Mixology solids in four colors, a super bulky Number 6 yarn. If you plan to make this cowl, consider making one for all your friends or family. You will also need a US P/16 (11.5 mm) hook to complete this project. It is worked with single crochet stitches as a rectangle and then sewn together in a cowl, making it very easy.

Red Heart Crochet Uniquely You Suede Cowl

12. Free Red Heart Crochet Turn Up the Volume Cowl

Designed by: Yarnspirations

Yarn: RED HEART® Heads Up

Sometimes, your goal for adorning a cowl is not warm but a fashion statement. You can achieve this by finding the perfect bright color to gain attention to even the most mundane outfits. If this goal is in your mind, consider this project: an easy, beginner-friendly cowl pattern that works quickly in this chunky Red Heart Heads Up Yarn and a US N/15 (10 mm hook). Plan on making single and double crochet stitches to complete this cowl, so there’s nothing complicated here.

Turn Up the Volume Cowl

13. Red Heart Crochet Sweet Shells Twisted Cowl Pattern

Designed by: Yarnspirations

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Ombre Yarn

This crochet cowl pattern calls for Red Heart Supersaver Ombre yarn in sea coral, but that is your choice. If you have never worked with Ombre Yarn, you’re in for a treat. This pattern calls for this yarn, a worsted weight (CKC #4), and a US K/10.5 (6.5 mm hook). A simple design that uses both double crochet stitches in a shell design and a single crochet to make this stunning crochet cowl.

Sweet Shells Twisted Cowl

14. Red Heart Crochet Puff Stitch Cowl Pattern

Designed by: Yarnspirations

Yarn: RED HEART® Sparkle Soft™

This pattern calls for Red Heart Sparkle and a US K 10.5/6.5 mm hook. If you love the crochet puff stitch, this is the cowl for you.

Crochet Puff Stitch Cowl

15. Hat, Glove and Cowl Set

Designer: Lion Brand

Yarn: Made With Love the Cottony One®

You might want to check this out if you want a complete set, including a hat, cowl, and mitten. It’s made with single crochet stitches, which makes it easy to crochet. However, the pattern calls for changing colors to create hearts so that you will carry the yarn not used across the top of the row, similar to tapestry crochet. The pattern calls for three colors, but I imagine you could add more or less to create your desired look.

Hat, Glove and Cowl Set

16. Ferret Cowl

Yarn: Lion Brand Landscapes® Fusion – 544

Designer: Lion Brand

This crochet cowl may look complicated, but it is created by working groups of three double crochet stitches, separated by skipping spaces. It’s created as one large rectangle and then the short ends of the rectangle are sewn together to make the cowl.

Ferret Cowl

17. Glitter Fur Cowl

Designer:  Lion Brand

Yarn used: Lion Brand Go For Faux® Super Bulky (CYC #6)

Need something a little glitzy? This one is a beginner-friendly crochet cowl pattern that is created with single crochet stitches. The only reason I can see that this might be more challenging to beginners is the use of this type of yarn.

Of course, this yarn gives it a characteristic look; you won’t be able to see the stitches you are making, so you will need to be able to identify stitches by touch alone. Still, it’s worth trying if you love this look.

Glitter Fur Cowl

18. Karluk Cowl

Designer:  Lion Brand

Yarn: Hand Dyed Heaven (a light DK, CYC #3 yarn) by Lion Brand

This pattern calls for a US F (3.75 mm) hook and is worked in the round, so again, no seaming is required. It’s an easy pattern that requires you to know how to work half-double crochet stitches in the back loop only. (hdc blo).

You can find a tutorial on working the ribbed half double crochet stitch. A variegated CYC #3 yarn may be a good substitute if you cannot find this yarn.

Karluk Cowl

19. Gradient Ripple Cowl

Designer: Lion Brand

Yarn: Mandala® Ombre

If you love the crochet ripple stitch (also known as the Chevron pattern) but hate all those color changes and subsequent yarn weaves, you can accomplish this pattern by working with ombre yarn.

This pattern is easy and works similarly to the traditional ripple pattern, creating a colorful cowl that’s fun to wear. Another bonus is that it is worked as a tube so once you finish crocheting and weaving in your ends, you’re done!

Gradient Ripple Cowl

20. Herringbone Crochet Pattern

Designed By Sarah from sarahmaker.com

Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy

This cowl pattern uses the single crochet herringbone stitch in a bulky weight (CYC 5) yarn and a US L/8.0 mm hook, so it works quickly. It works as a large rectangle, but finishing requires one seam, which can be accomplished with the mattress stitch.

Crochet Herringbone Cowl

21.Granny Stripes Cowl

Designer: PS I Crochet

Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK and a (5.5 mm/ I-9

This is the perfect cowl for all you granny crochet lovers. It’s very beginner-friendly and works up quickly. The pattern calls for three yarn colors, but I suspect you could use more or less if you prefer.

Granny Stripes Cowl

22. Mountain Trail Cowl

Designer: Tonya from Nana’s Crafty Home

Yarn: Lion Brand – Ferris Wheel yarn

On first observation, I thought this cowl was designed for intermediate to advanced crocheters, but once I read the pattern, I realized it was very beginner-friendly.

It’s worked as a rectangle, and the edges are seamed to create the cowl shape. Two yarn colors are used, and every two rows are changed, meaning you can eliminate all those yarn tails. You carry the unused yarn up the side of your project.

If you can make single and double crochet stitches, you should be able to accomplish this project easily.

Mountain Trail Cowl

23. Mulled Cider Cowl

Designed By Toni Lipsey

Yarn: Lion Brand Ferris Wheel (Medium worsted-weight yarn)

You might think I accidentally placed this knit-like project in the wrong article, but guess what? It’s crochet!

Made with the Tunisian knit stitch, this is an easy project for anyone learning to do Tunisian crochet. The Tunisian Knit Stitch is one of the easiest stitches to learn, with maybe the Tunisian simple stitch being the easiest.

The cowl is made by making two rectangles and then seamed. One seam is seamed part way, and the project is finished with ribbing. It sounds a little tricky, but the instructions are straightforward.

Mulled Cider Cowl

24. Chasing Rabbits Cowl

Designed By Carlie Liedtke

Yarn: Mandala Wool-ease by Lion Brand

This cowl is worked over three types of stitches: the half double crochet stitch, half double crochet through the back bar, and the bead stitch. It is created with one cake of a DK Weight yarn (CYC #3). There are instructions if you prefer a worsted-weight yarn.

Chasing Rabbits Cowl

25. Button Up Crochet Cowl

Designed by Salena Baca

Yarn:  Lion Brand Hometown Yarn

This is an easy pattern for beginners to tackle as it is worked with half double crochet stitches working through the back loops only. The buttons add interest and a sense of sophistication, and since they work up quickly, they would be a good choice for gifting or adding to your wardrobe. The pattern is written in four sizes, from a young child up to an adult, so it is something for everyone on your gift list.

Button Up Crochet Cowl

Crochet Cowl Patterns:  Pin For Future Reference

Crochet Cowl Patterns: Last Words

If you're ready for a new addition to your own wardrobe or a quick gift for a friend, a cowl may just be the thing.  Most work up quickly and you you can practice a new technique at the same time.  I've provided the yarn recommended by the designers of these cowls, but remember you can make changes if the yarn they recommend is not available to you.

So, grab your hook and some beautiful yarn and let's get crocheting!

Janice

If You Enjoyed This Crochet Cowl Patterns Article, 

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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